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@eboyd83 I think it would be perfect! Of course there are many different dresses that would go well but I think stick to the one you would like to use most.

See how those armholes are way too deep?

The blazer…

I just finished a ‘muslin’ of a blazer to see how it would go. I want to make two for a family wedding and parties in November. I even added a full lining and it was suprisingly straightforward (…even if you weren’t there to hold my hand though the process, Liesl…hint, hint.). There are some straight forward fit issues that I’ll address.…[Read more]

I just finished a ‘muslin’ of a blazer to see how it would go. I want to make two for a family wedding and parties in November. I even added a full lining and it was suprisingly straightforward (…even if you weren’t there to hold my hand though the process, Liesl…hint, hint.). There are some straight forward fit issues that I’ll address.…[Read more]

Here’s how I roll…

I learned to sew in 7th grade Home Economics class. I wasn’t particularly good and got a B (which was devastating to me). The summer before high school, I enrolled in a summer class at the high school for sewing. The pattern that I picked – a fully lined fitted blazer. I sewed it in a no-wale brown corduroy. I’m short,…[Read more]

The Archer button-up shirt from Grainline Studio is not all that difficult, but it requires accuracy. It’s loosely fitted, not semi-fitted. It has long sleeves, but I’ve made short sleeves and versions with 3/4-length sleeves. Best of all, the collar isn’t too long for petites. Tamara, you can find Grainline Studio under the shop tab above.

Well, you’re practically reading my mind! Thanks for the feedback, and I think you’ll be happy with at least one of the fall patterns, then. xo

Thank you, Liesl. She really did love her dress, especially because no one else had anything like it and it had a vintage vibe.
My tackle list would definitely include honing my skills at getting good fit and I would really like to make a semi-fitted shirt with a collar that includes a collar stand. When I need to dress professionally, a…[Read more]

Ooh, well done @TamaraH! My mom sewed me a very similar prom dress: similar silhouette and fabric, but mine was strapless. I recall multiple fittings and many late nights on her part.

But think of the great memories she’ll have!

What’s on your “to tackle” list? Anything you’re really wanting to learn?

Great question, Liesl.
The most difficult thing I’ve ever sewn was a prom dress for my youngest daughter. This dress had a very fitted bodice, full circle skirt, and both a slippery main fabric and sheer accent fabric. Getting the zipper and hem just right were a trick! It was a success, however, there were flaws – only noticeable if really…[Read more]

I’m thinking about looking for a heavy twill when I’m in London next week. I’ve realized there’s an outerwear gap in my closet: winter coats, rain coats, and nothing in between. What do most people wear when the weather turns too cool for a raincoat but before you need a full-on winter coat? I’d like something that travels well (i.e., not too bulky).

Thanks for the example photo. I ended up finding some cheap wool so I’m going that route. But at some point I still think I want to do a raincoat version of this.

Thank you all so much for the helpful responses and the pictures! I decided to compromise by cutting the curve about halfway between the pattern and straight. It’s finished except for hemming (I want to try it on her tomorrow first) and I am so happy with it! –I’m trying to post a picture but it doesn’t want to upload it. Maybe I can figure…[Read more]

Thanks @justsewit I remembered once you wrote that – She was exactly 1kg heavier than Audrey! I’m glad I didn’t know how heavy she was before I gave birth!!

11lb 3oz…. Eeeek!